English Dub Review: The Eminence in Shadow: “A Fencing Tournament of Intrigue & Bloodshed”

Overview: Cid (Adam Gibbs) enters into a fencing tournament to further show off his background character signature techniques as Sherry (Brittney Karbowski) introduces herself to him. 

Our Take: How Cid is begrudgingly forced into situations he doesn’t want to be in is plain stupid fun, especially in his delusions about being a side character. However, this appeal only goes so far. Watching him play the buffoon in a fencing tournament, while entertaining, gets old in his tactics to remain in the background. Rose is a likable knight in how admirable she is, respecting Cid’s conviction, however misinterpreted she is about it. 

Sherry finally gets some one-on-one time with Cid. It’s nice to see how her genuine kindness is enough to even penetrate his icy exterior. Her chat with Alexia is also charming, with their coffee preferences distinguishing their varying personalities. Most of all, it shows how amusingly jealous Alexia is of someone else being interested in Cid.  

 The fake shadow garden invades the school, hopefully giving Cid an opportunity to cut loose on some fools. Cid’s heroic act in saving Rose must have a selfish, ulterior motive, as nearly everything does with him. Of course, she, like many others have, will misunderstand his true intentions for more baffling humor.